9. Nazi Punks Fuck Off, Pt 2: Claude Cahun

As you know, we're not a fan of nazis. In part two of our (what will very likely be ongoing) series on badass, queer anti-fascists we discuss the genderqueer, surrealist artist and nazi resistance fighter Claude Cahun! Teen love to stepsisters to lifelong partners in art and resistance? Lovers literally saving each others lives more than once? Taking a break from sunbathing and walking their cat on a leash in middle age to spread anti-fascist propaganda and lower morale among the invading German forces? Gender is a performance, what? Classic Claude Cahun (and Marcel Moore)! So say it with us again, "Nazi punks, fuck off" this time with surrealism!

Outline

0:00 – Introduction
2:19 – Content Warnings
4:05 – Historical Context: Dreyfus Affair and 'New Women' in France
9:13 – Who Were They? Bio Time
23:22-28:32 – Fun Segment: Word of the Week
1:00:14 – Why Do We Think They're Gay?
1:17:51 – Pop Culture Tie In
1:19:01 – How Gay Were They?
1:24:57 – Closing and Where to Find us Online

For a full list of sources and bonus content, visit our Notes page (coming soon)! 

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8. Nazi Punks Fuck Off, Pt 1: Magnus Hirschfeld

We're not a fan of nazis around these parts, and not just for the obvious reasons. Did you know that one of the most iconic images of them burning books is from when they burned the library of a gay, Jewish, communist sexologist well known for his research on sexuality and gender, including trans identity? Until this episode, we didn't either! In this first part of a two part series (so far!), we dive into the fascinating life of Doctor Magnus Hirschfeld, the "Einstein of sex." His approach to sexuality, gender, and race was decades ahead of the likes of Alfred Kinsey and Harry Benjamin, and who knows were society would be had his research not been destroyed. So come join us as we say, "Nazi punks, fuck off!" 

Outline

0:00 – Introduction
3:38 – Content Warnings
5:40 – Social Context: Taboos and Mores
12:50 – Social Context: White Supremacy
17:43 – Social Context: Romanticism and the German Wilhelmite Period
24:50 – Social Context: Volkish Movements and Nazism
26:47 – Who Were They? Bio Time
31:00-31:53 – Content Warning: Discussion of Suicide
55:45-59:00 - (Not So) Fun Segment: Word of the Week
1:06:48 - Why Do We Think They're Gay?
1:11:40 – How Gay Were They?
1:14:30 – Closing and Where to Find us Online

For a full list of sources and bonus content, visit our Notes page! 

Apple Podcasts  |    Google Play    |    Stitcher    |    Download

2. Cloistered Queers

In this episode, your hosts Gretchen and Leigh continue to examine the overlooked and underappreciated queer ladies, gents, and gentle-enbies in the unexplored corners of history by traveling to the cloisters of Medieval Europe. They’ll uncover unique views of sex and sexuality that made the practice of ‘brother making’ possible both within and outside the monastic community but also made it hard for medieval theologians to understand sex between women. Come slake your thirst for Jesus queer poems and love letters because guess what? There are lots of monks and nuns with a strong desire for “special friendship” with each other.

Outline

0:00 – Introduction
1:31 – Word of the Week: Adelphopoiesis and Affrerement
6:30 – What do you mean they’re not straight?
     6:40 – Social Context: Medieval Views of Sex & Sodomy
     10:15 – Social Context: Sex Between Women in the Middle Ages
     26:00 – Social Context: Escaping Heteronormativity through Monastacism
     33:35 – Homoeroticism Among Female Mystics
40:40  – The Lives and Love Letters/Poems of Gay Monks and Lesbian Nuns
     1:10:00-1:19:21 – CONTENT WARNING for discussions of sexual violence
1:23:17 – How gay were they?
1:26:40 – Where to find us online

For a full list sources and bonus content for this episode, visit our Notes page!

Apple Podcasts  |    Google Play    |    Stitcher    |    Download